If you have a child with a developmental disability or a medical condition, or if you are a caregiver for any reason, you learn quickly that the more you know, the better prepared you will be for your role.
In our lives with Bil, my autistic brother in law, we have learned a lot. Today, I want to share some of those things with you.
1. Always express appreciation for the time people in non profits are taking with your "case". They have heavy caseloads.
2. Educate yourself enough to ask questions that matter. Something we have discovered is that many knowledgeable people will gladly answer questions, but won't volunteer information unless you ask specifically.
3. Organize, organize, organize! Have a book where you put information like doctors, names and addresses, appointments, items discussed. Keep medication lists current. (I'm sometimes guilty of not following my own advice!)
4. If you have a meeting with someone, be it at a school or a non profit, always write or email after the meeting, especially if something was agreed upon. My philosophy is, if it isn't in writing, it doesn't exist. Put a copy in your book.
5. It can seem overwhelming at times. If there is a support group in our area, check it out to see if it meshes with your needs.. If it does, great! If you don't, use the Internet to find other possible groups. You can not do it alone.
Hi - you have a wonderful list here - so helpful for many of us who aren't that organised ... when something happens I don't let things slip - as you say if it's not written it didn't happen.
ReplyDeleteThese are such brilliant posts to help us understand more - Bil is fortunate with you around however difficult it is ... cheers Hilary
http://positiveletters.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/k-is-for-kashmiri-goat.html
You know, I wish I was more organized. Some of these were lessons hard learned.
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